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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
a Dickensian epic that's both amazing and hair-pullingly aggravating. loved the writing, but sheesh, there was just too much of it. parts are just unreadable. after spending so much time with this, in the end, i can't honestly say i really give a damn. and that makes me sad about opportunities lost and time wasted.
I really enjoyed this one - highly absurd and over the top writing. Everyone makes bad decisions. Supremely funny. Will definitely be reading more Zadie Smith in the future
challenging
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this book in high school and loved loved it, so I wanted to re read it. The story is compelling, but I did think about quitting the book once or twice. I realized I don't really like any of the main characters besides Clara, just because the characterization is so realistic they're full, imperfect people, who do things that make me cringe. There was also a lot of British slang, which was quite colorful. Tdlr: good if you like reading about people who make questionable choices
There are some really brilliant things about this book, but it is ultimately flawed. The plot is awfully contrived, but some of the characters are just delicious.
Major annoyance: the less educated characters who use the f-word in great abundance "not to be offensive, but because the F-word acts like padding. . . it's just a filler like beans or peas."
Major annoyance: the less educated characters who use the f-word in great abundance "not to be offensive, but because the F-word acts like padding. . . it's just a filler like beans or peas."
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
challenging
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really wanted to think that this was brilliant. But some parts of this are brilliant, unsurpassable 5* sections on the nature of identity, and complexities of post-immigration settling, and being as a minority in a diaspora. But there's also a lot of 2-3* dull, or forgettable, or impenetrable characterisation, and dialogue.
I still though cannot believe how young she was when she wrote this. How brilliant so much of it is, especially considering her own life experience to date.
But then, like some other reviewers, I found parts trying to be too clever. And worse still, elements even snide/ superior about certain characters and their circumstances.
Overall it's close to 4*, but feels like you have to work hard to get the best bits...and can probably do so without reading the whole thing.
Also, really don't bother watching the Channel 4 adaptation - really doesn't do it justice.
I still though cannot believe how young she was when she wrote this. How brilliant so much of it is, especially considering her own life experience to date.
But then, like some other reviewers, I found parts trying to be too clever. And worse still, elements even snide/ superior about certain characters and their circumstances.
Overall it's close to 4*, but feels like you have to work hard to get the best bits...and can probably do so without reading the whole thing.
Also, really don't bother watching the Channel 4 adaptation - really doesn't do it justice.
ngl this book annoyed me so much until about halfway through when things started picking up and coming together. the writing style is a bit grating at times and certainly contributes to the size of the book, but it was also really funny, unique and overall enjoyable to read. i picked up another book right after and the loss of smith's quips and asides was surprisingly jarring. i loved how every character got attention and development, as well as the relationships between characters--they're not necessarily realistic, but i don't think that was ever the point. i do think there were points where the book bit off a bit more than it could chew, most evident in the semi-rushed ending. probably would read again.
anyway, neena begum supremacy
anyway, neena begum supremacy